Login / RegisterBanning sled-dog industry will stop future slaughters
Environment Minister Terry Lake’s comments about the status of animals under the law underscore precisely why the Vancouver Humane Society, along with the international cosmetics company Lush, is calling for a ban on the sled-dog industry [“ Sled-dog ban not on the horizon”, March 17-24].
If the public is asking for regulation of the industry, they are doing so with the belief that this will stop animal suffering. However, in today’s economically restrained environment, the protection of animals is not a high priority for government. Any regulations or voluntary guidelines are unlikely to be enforced for a variety of reasons, including the lack of public resources and the inaccessibility of the industry.
The slaughter of the 100 sled dogs took place in a remote location on Crown land, and the only reason it came to light was a WorkSafeBC claim. The public has already made it crystal clear that killing animals—humanely or not, because they are surplus to requirements—is wrong, even if it is legal. But regulations will not stop the needless killing (or, as the industry says, “culling”) of healthy dogs simply because they’re no longer bringing in money.
Sadly, the only action the government can take that will truly protect the dogs used for sled races and tours is to ban the industry entirely. That is the only way to ensure that the horrific slaughter of 100 healthy dogs that took place near Whistler, far from the public’s eye, will never happen again.
> Debra Probert / Executive Director, Vancouver Humane Society
Lifeforce, a Vancouver-based ecology and animal rights organization, was invited to participate in the BC Sled Dog Industry Task Force review. Lifeforce submitted our Draft report entitled, “The Case Against Sled Dog Industries”. Please read the full report at http://lifeforcefoundation.org/newsitem.php?id=135
The history of the sled dog industries reveals that the reported inhumane slaughter of dogs in Whistler, BC was not an aberration. It is inherent in the sled dog racing and tourism industries. The Task Force heard that there have been many, many cruelty investigations and charges laid.
There are thousands of dogs bred for this industry and you can’t find humane retirement homes for all the victims. There is no Canadian culture to preserve with sled dog breeders breeding huskies with greyhounds and other breeds in attempts to create faster breeds to win the lucrative prizes. Contrary to the claim by Task Force Head, Terry Lake, these dogs are not “doing what they're born to do". This sounds like the illegal dog fighters who claim that pit bulls were born to fight. Both claims are absurd and both are inherently cruel businesses that cannot be condoned.
A compassionate society should not regulate cruelty. As stated in our report any regulations will not eliminate the abuses in the racing and tourism industries. In addition, any enforcement is not possible in many cases.
People can choose to race themselves under gruelling circumstances and stop the exploitation of dogs. Racers and tourism businesses must put on their skis, ride snowmobiles or run all terrain vehicles. People can enjoy Super Natural BC without animal exploitation. The plight of these dogs must end! Ban sled dog industries!